It’s a hot & steamy July in StL

Back in midwifery school - which seems so long ago, but really wasn’t - I heard for the first time the expression 30/30/30. This can be used to describe the overall formula for work (and life): 30% may be wonderful (and the reason for doing what we do), 30% may be “okay”/tolerable and the last 30% can be a total bummer. One fellow asked me where the other 10% is. Idk.

Well, this plays out in my worklife in that 30% is amazing - the connection with clients and colleagues, and being able to provide respectful and appropriate care are the best. 30% is “meh” as in charting, paperwork and all the official “behind the scenes” tasks that must be done. The total bummer part is when our best laid plans go awry and tough things happen.

The solution, for me, is to slow down. I have to narrow my focus and do the next thing. That’s all. Prioritize good food and rest, take time to process and lower expectations. The way we treat people (including ourselves) matters most when life gets hard. Journal, walk, shower, pet the puppy, veg out on good movies…